3 different Temp & Humidity readings!?!?!

[FowlWitch]

Update: So the Farm Innovators 4250 appears to read correctly from the factory.
The Little Giant however, is about 4 degrees low, causing the incubator temperature to be outside the optimal hatch range. I'm going to see about getting a replacement control unit to see if that works.

View attachment 1874410

I've had trouble with little giant, too. Try getting a rheostat and see if that helps - I set the temp higher on the LG and then set the rheostat to 99F or 100F; it will then cut power to the incubator when it gets too hot. It only takes about 5 mins for the ambient temp in the incubator to drop back into the optimal range, at which time the rheostat allows the incubator to turn back on. I haven't had any issue with my hatches using this method, and it was easier for me to do it this way because I'm not handy with electronics.

 

[Rob_Clyburn]

If you keep it at 25-35 it should be close to perfect.

I'm seeing other posts, YouTube, and incubator instructions that say 45-50% until lockdown, then increase to 65%.
I take it you do something different?

 

[muddy75]

I'm seeing other posts, YouTube, and incubator instructions that say 45-50% until lockdown, then increase to 65%.
I take it you do something different?

i have had the advantage of hatching with incubator and broody hens....should keep RH similar to outdoor until lockdown....(for me during summer that is 30-40 ish dry hatching outside) then raise approximately 10% at lockdown keeping in mind that chickens are more “forgiving” than other birds....in that they will still hatch up to 75+ % RH

 

[Kiki]

I'm seeing other posts, YouTube, and incubator instructions that say 45-50% until lockdown, then increase to 65%.
I take it you do something different?

Yes I do it way different as do most people I know.
Closer to 35% throughout and bump it up to 50% once you actually see the first external pip.

Having it run too high throughout will cause more problems.

 

[ValerieJ]

I'm seeing other posts, YouTube, and incubator instructions that say 45-50% until lockdown, then increase to 65%.
I take it you do something different?

Good question. I've read this too.

 

[ValerieJ]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...incubator-thermometers-and-hygrometers.73634/

or buy one of these:

Good article! I have read about finding a good thermometer and testing the incubator against that. But, I have 3 meat thermometers that came out with 3 different readings. I chose the Cuisinart and lowered the temp in my bator accordingly. Now I'm afraid that might not be right. But your suggestion of a medical thermometer is a good idea. I'll have to get one of those and try it.

 

[aart]

But your suggestion of a medical thermometer is a good idea.

That is key to the testing/comparison.

 

[ValerieJ]

That is key to the testing/comparison.

I tried the medical thermometer. It beeped at 97.7, as if it were done, then it continued to rise until it reached over 104 degrees. That doesn't sound right. It would mean 4 other thermometers are off by 5 or 6 degrees. I'm settling on the Cuisinart, which passes the ice and boil test pretty well, high by 2 degrees on both. Seems to me that if it reads 101.5 I'm good. And when it does read that, my incubator reads 95.5. Hmmm... could mine be the only one that is accurate?

 

[aart]

I'm settling on the Cuisinart

What's the range and tolerance?
Food thermometers can be good because they have a wide range and many are calibrated to a certain tolerance for food safety.

 

[ValerieJ]

What's the range and tolerance?
Food thermometers can be good because they have a wide range and many are calibrated to a certain tolerance for food safety.

I honestly don't know the range and tolerance as I no longer have a manual for it. But, it says ice water is 34 degrees and boiling water is 214, so it seems to be the most reliable tool I have.